Paperboard carton



- July'4, Q P WELLMAN 2,165,083

PAPERBOARD CARTON Filed Sept. 15, 1937 s Sheets-Sheet 1 4 INVENTOR 1 mgwfwiz u- AIT ORNEY y 1939- c. P. WELLMAN 2,165,083

'PAPERBOARD CARTON F'iied Sept. 15, 1957 a Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEY y 4, 9- c. P. WELLMAN PAPERBOARD CARTON Filed Sept. 15, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR [ltdrks 1? fi kllman/ ATTORNEY C. P. WELLMAN PAPERBOARD CARTON July 4, 1939.

Filed Sept 15, 19:57

6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I (fiardks 2 2221011 r I u ATTORNEY July 4, 1 939 c P WELLMAN PAPERBOARD CARTON Filed Sept. 15, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 n m mm, m

ATTORNEY I Patented July 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 21 Claims.

This invention relates to a paperboard carton, and more particularly a carton adapted for the packaging and merchandising of radio tubes and like fragile articles.

It is an object of this invention to provide a carton formed from paperboard material, which protects the radio tube and like fragile article contained therein from possible damage resulting from exterior shock and which is provided with means to permit ejection of the test end of the tube so that the test end can be plugged into a socket and the tube tested without requiring removal of the tube from the carton.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carton for radio tubes and the like which permits limited sliding movement of the tube within the carton whereby ejection of the test end of the tube may be effected, the carton being so constructed that the tube cannot be removed without mutilating, destroying or rupturing the carton in such a manner as to visibly indicate a tion and into which the radio tube or like article may be quickly and easily packed.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following particular description and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which:

Fig. 1, is an extended view of a prepared blank from which the outer tubular member of the carton may be formed:

Fig. 2 is an extended view of a prepared blank from which the inner tube-supporting member may be formed;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the blank shown in Fig. 2 partially wrapped around a radio tube and an inner protective shell, this view illustrating one step in the process of packaging a tube in the carton;

55 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled outer tubular member ready to receive the inner tube-containing member;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the inner member'assembled within the outer member with a m strap portion associated with the outer memher in the process of being inserted into interlocking relationship beneath the strap associated with the inner member;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the .fully assembled carton having a radio tube therein whose 5 test end has been ejected into testing'pofition, certain parts being broken away to more clearly illustrate the construction;

Fig. 7 isan extended view of a prepared blank from which a somewhat modifled form of radio tube carton may be made;

Fig. 8 is an extended view of a prepared blank which, when assembled around the tube, provides an inner member adapted to be associated with the outer tubular member formed from the blank shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the inner member formed from the blank shown in Fig. 8 wrapped around a radio tube and its associated protective shell in the process of being inserted -into the tubular outer member formed from the blank shown in Fig; 7;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the radio tube carton formed from the blanks shown in Figs. '1

the process of being inserted through spaced apertures in the outer member;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a completely assembled carton formed from the blanks shown in Figs. 7 and 8 wherein the inner sliding member is slidably sealed in the outer tubular member;

Fig. 12 is an extended view of a prepared blank from which one section of an inner-tubesupporting member of somewhat modified construction may be made Fig. 13 is an extended view of a prepared blank from which is formed the companion section of the section formed from the blank shown in Fig. 12; I

Fig. 14 is an extended view of a prepared blank from which a modified form of outer tubular member adapted to be associated with the inner tube-supporting sections illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a radio tube housed within a protective shell, this view showing the inner sections formed from the blanks shown in Figs. 12 and 13 in the process or being wrapped around the tube and protective I shell;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the prepared blank shown in Fig. 14 in the process of being formed into an outer tubular member which receives the tube and associated inner sections illustrated in Fig. 15;

Fig. 1'7 is a perspective view of the inner sections shown in Fig. 15 as they appear when fully 00 assembled around the tube and protective shell,

' process of beingwrapped around the outer encasing member being shown in the the inner tubesupporting sectionsr.

Fig. 118, is a vertical cross-sectional view ofjthe cartonillustrated in Fig. 17 as it appears when fully assembled, this view showing the carton in cross-section as it would appear if the section were taken through a finished carton at .lines l8.l8 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 18a is a vertical cross-sectional view through the carton illustrated in Fig.- 1'7 as it appears when fully assembled; this view being taken along line Isa-48a of a fully assembled carton formed from the parts shown in Fig.11'7; Fig. 19 is another vertical cross-sectional view through the completed carton, this view showing the points where pressure may be applied to release the locking abutments which retain the test end of the tube in housed position within the outer tubular member;

Fig. 20 is a verticalcross-sectional view through the completed carton, illustrating more particu larly the means for limiting the sliding move ment of the inner member within the outer mem ber, this view being taken through a completed carton as it would appear along the lines 20-20 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 21 is an extended view of a prepared blank from which an outer member of further modified form may be made;

Fig. 22 is an extended view of a prepared blank from which an inneftube-supporting member of further modified form may beinade, which inner member is adapted to be associated withthe outer encasing member formed from the blank shown in Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of an inner member formed from the blank shown in Fig. 22 as it appears at one stage of the assembly operation;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the inner member shown in Fig. 23 as it appears at a further stage of the assembly operation;

Fig. 25 is a front elevational view of the inner member shown in Figs.23 and 24 as it appears when fully assembled around a tube;

a Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the outer member formed from the blank shown in'Fig. 21 in the process of being wrapped around the inner tube-supporting member, certain parts being broken away to more clearly illustrate the construction;

- Fig. 2'? is a perspective view of the outer member shown in Fig. 26 at a more advanced stage of assembly around the inner tube-supporting member; and

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the fully assembled and-sealed carton illustrated in Fig. 2'7.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and the specification.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 6 inelusive, a carton for radio tubes and the like is shown, said carton comprising an outer tubular member A formed from the blank illustrated. in Fig. 1' containing an inner tube-supporting member B formed from the blank shown in Fig; 2.

'I'he outer tubular member A is formed from a substantially rectangular blank comprising side wall sections I, 2, 3 and 4|, defined by the vertically extending score lines 6. 1 A securing flap 5 hinged to the side wall section 4 along the score lines 6 is coated with adhesive g so. that the same may be secured to the sidewall section I to rigidly retain the blank in tubular form, as illustrated in Fig. 4. A strap portion '1 defined by parallel extending cuts 8 extending transverselyacross side wall sections 3 and 4', provides means for limiting the sliding movement. of :thefinner mem- ',bel' 'Wit-hili the loutertubular Zmnibr, as will hereinafter be described.

The inner tube-"supporting member B formed from the blank shown in Fig. 2 comprises an end wall portion ll having a suitable aperture 20 therein through which the test end p of the tube 1 'mayproject. The end portion II also provides a support for the lower end of the tube T. Another end wall portion l2 seats over the top end of the tube and may be provided with a suitable aperture 2| therein to fixedly center the tube within the inner member. A side wall portion l3 hinged to the end wall portions I l and I 2 along the score lines l4 extends along one side of the tube. An-

other side wall portion formed by the flaps I5- and I6 hinged to the respective end wall por tions H and I2 along the score lines I are positioned to extend along the opposite side o1 the tube. The side wall-forming naps i5 and i6 may be suitably connected together by the provision of hook portions 24 and 25 associated with the flaps I 5 and 16 respectively, which hook portions are adapted to be connected in interlocked relationship when the blank B has been wrapped around the tube T, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Leg portions l1 hinged to the end wall portion along the score lines l8 provide a suitable support to hold the test end-p of the tube out of contact with the supporting surface upon which the carton is positioned. Leg portions l9 hinged to the end wall portiori'l2 along. the score lines 18 also provide a support which, prevents the top end of the tube from contacting the supporting surface if the carton is placed in an inverted position. A strap portion 22 defined by the longitudinal cuts 23 'extending for a predetermined distance through the sidewall portion l3, provides means which, when assembled in interlocked relationship with the transversely extending strap portion 1 associated with the outer tubularmember, operates to permit a limited sliding movement only'o f the inner member B supporting the tube T within't'he outer tubular member A. r

In packaging a radio tube in the carton above disclosed, the tube may, if desiredgbe first po-.

sitioned within a protective shell C. The test end p of the tube is inserted through the aperture 20 in the end wall portion II; the end wall portion I2 is then swung over the top end ofv the tube and into engagement therewith so that the aperture 2| will operate to center the tube in proper position within the inner member. The. side wall-forming flaps l5 and "5 are then firmly connected together by any suitable means. Such connecting means may comprise hook por-. tions 24 and 25 associated with the side wall flaps l5 and 16 respectively; which hook portions 'may be connected together in interlocked position so as to securely retain the inner tube-supporting side wall portion l3 of the inner tube-support- 7 2,165,083 ing member so that the strap portion I associated with the outer tubular member will underlie the strap portion 22 associated with the innertube-supporting member.

This assembly operation is fully illustrated .in Figs; and 6. The strap portion is drawn through the cuts or apertures 23 until the end portion thereof is positioned adjacent a tab portion 9 extending fromthe free edge of the side wall section 'I, as illustrated in Fig. 6. A suitable sealing element 26, such as'a rivet, eyelet, staple, stitch, or other securing device, secures the tab portions 9 and it together in fixed, sealed relationship. The tab portion Ill may be coated with ink or other adhesive-resisting material so that when the adhesive g is applied to the securing flap 5 as shown in Fig. 1, by a strip gluing machine, the glue will not adhere 'to the face of the tab portion l9.

Thus, the tab portions 9 and H) are secured together entirely by the pilfer-proof eyelet 26, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The securing device 26 should be of such form that the same cannot I be removed or detached without substantially and visibly mutilating or destroying the tabs 9 and It to which it is secured. An eyelet or rivet which is headed over to penetrate and grip the tab portions 9 and I 9, has been fou'ndsatisfactory for this purpose.- I

It will be noted that the length of the cuts 23 bears a predetermined relation to the transverse width of the strap portion 1 which extends therethrough, so that the inner tube-supporting member B is permitted to slide' within the outer tubular member a limited predetermined distance only, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Thus, when the upper edge of the strap 1 abuts the ends 21 of the cuts 23, the test end 11 of the tube is fully ejected and readily insertable into a. suitable test socket. When so positioned, the leg portions I! may be swung outwardly so as not to interfere with the ready insertion of the test end'p into the test socket. It will be noted by referring to Fig. 6, that the tube cannot be further ejected from the outer tubular member and the tube is fully protected at all times against damage, injury or substitution. After testing the tube, the test end may be retracted into protected position within the outer tubular member A, in which position the leg portions H are drawn into the outer tubular member, providing rigid supports for the tube. The leg portions H are of such width that when resting upon a supporting surface the test end p of the tube will be held suspended out .of contact with a normally fiat suptubular member overlies the ends 21 and 28 of the cuts 23 and prevents tearing of the side wall portion i3 beyond the termini 21 and 28 of the cuts. Should the carton be positioned in inverted position the leg portions 13 will then contact the supporting surface to suspend the top end of the tube out of contact with the supporting surface.

, The carton as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 6 is formed from substantially rectangular paperboard blanks,which can be prepared and assembled entirely by automatic machinery at low cost and substantially without waste of material. The tube can be quickly encased within the inner tube-supporting member and the whole quickly telescoped into the outer tubular member. The inner and outer tubularmembers can be quickly locked together to permit limited sliding movement only of the inner member by drawing the strap I through the cuts 23 and beneath the strap portion 22. Automatic means may be provided for quickly applying the sealing eyelets 2G to the tabs 9 and Ill. The strap port on 22 which is framed between the cuts 8 provides an attractive surface for applying various data to the carton, such as the date of manufacture of the tube, the date of sale of the tube to the customer, or other desired information.

Such information can be conveniently imprinted upon the strap portion 22 prior to assembly or during assembly of the inner tube-supporting member.

A modified radio tube carton is illustrated in Figs. 7 to 11 inclusive, which cartoncomprises an outer tubular member A formed from the the blank shown in Fig. 7, and aninner tubesupporting member B formed from the blank shown in Fig. 8. The outer tube-forming blank shown in Fig. 7 comprises side wall sections 3|, 32, 33 and 34 hinged together along the score lines 36. A flap 35, hinged to the side wall sec-. tion 34 along the score lines 36 is provided to secure the blank in tubular form, suitable adhesive 9 being applied thereto which adheres to the inside face of the side wall section 3|. A small slit-like aperture 31 is provided at one end of the side wall section 3| and an enlarged rectangular opening 38 is provided adjacent the other end of the side wall section 3|, which aligns with a similar opening 39 in the securing flap 35. It is thus seen that the slot 31 and the aligned openings 38-and 39 give limited access to the interior.

The inner tube-supporting member formed from the blank 13' comprises an end wall portion ll having the usual opening 20 therein through which the test end 11 of the tube proiects and a top wall portion l2 extending over the top wall of the tube, having an opening 2| therein which serves to center the tube. The end wall portions H and I2 are connected together by a side wall portion i3 hinged tothe end wall portions along thescore line's l4. Outwardly turned legs I! hinged to the end wall portion ll along the score lines It, support the test end of the tube out of contact with the supporting surface and, similarly, leg portions l9 carton be placed in inverted position. A strap portion hinged to the end wall portion II is arranged so that it may be threaded throu h the slot 31 formed in the outer tubular member. The strap portion 46 hinged to the end wall portion I2 along the score lines 41 is likewise adapted to be inserted through the aligned openings 38 and 39 in the outer tubular member, as more particularly illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. A tab portion 48 extending from the strap portion 45 and hinged thereto along the score lines 59 and tab portion 49 extending from the strap portion 96 and hinged thereto along the score lines 59, may be inseparably secured together by means of an eyelet 5| which cannot be removed or detached without rupturing the paperboard material or otherwise leaving visible evidence of tampering.

In packaging the tube and assembling the carton, the tube 'r may befirst placed within an inner protective shellC, the test end 9 of the tubeisthen inserted through the'opening 2o inthe end wall'portion u and is supported ner member wrapped around the tube and inner ing, the hinged edge 41 of the tab portion 46 protective shell. The assembly is then telescoped into the outer tubular member, as illustrated in Fig. 9. As the inner member is telescoped into the outer-member, the tab portion 48 associated with the strap portion 45 is threaded through the slot 31. ,When the tube is substantially completely inserted within the outer member the tab portion-'49 associated with strap 46 is threaded through the aligned openings 38-and 39 of the outer tubular member, as illustrated more particularly in Figs. 10 and 11. The rivet, staple, or eyelet 5| is then applied to secure thetab portions 48 and 49 inseparably together.

It will be noted that the tube assembled in the carton above described has a limited telescoping movement only within the outer tubular member. When the test end p of the tube has been sufficiently ejectedirom the lower end of the outer tubular member to permit convenient testwill abut the lower edge 46 of the opening 38, preventing further ejection of the tube from this end of the carton. The tube cannot be drawn from the other end of the carton by reason of the fact that the end wall portion ll of the inner member cannot travel inwardly of the outer member farther than the slot 31, being prevented from furthermovement in this direction by the strap portion 46 connected to the end wall portion which extends through the slot opening 31. Such movement is further prevented by the tab portion 49 which moves into abutment against the upper edge 4| of the opening 38. The material 4201 the side wall 3| intermediatethe slot 31 and the opening 38 is of substantial width and underlies the strap portions 45 and 46 and cannot be torn or otherwise mutilated to remove the tube without leaving visible evidence of tampering. The strap portions 45 and 46 are made of good quality paperboard material and possess substantial strength and cannot be released from interlocked relationship with the intermediate portion 42 of the outer tubular member without leaving immediate evidence of tampering. Cartons asshown in Figs. 7 to 11 inclusive can be economically manufactured, assembled and formed into a pilfer-proof package.

It will be noted that the cartons illustrated in Figs. 6 and 11 provide pilfer-proof eylets 26 and SI respectively, which. are entirely exposed and visible, so that any tampering with the package to destroy the tabs to which these eyelets are secured would be immediately and strikingly obvious to the consumer or purchaser. It will be further noted, by referring to the carton shown in Fig. 6, that the tab portions'9 and i0 secure'd together by the eyelet 26 can be conveniently folded out of the way into the recess formed in the side wall section 4 of the outer member, this depression being formed at the place where the strap 1 emerges from beneath the strap 22, as illustrated inFig; 6. Likewise, the tab portions 48 and 49 secured together by the piifer-proof eyelet 5|, as shown in 11, can also be folded upwardly so as to lie .against the strap portion 4 .6 and in the depression formedtin the side wall,

section 3| of the outer member. The tab portions 9 and III, as illustrated in Fig, 6, and the tab portions 48 and 49, illustrated inFig. 11, thus can:

be made to lie flat in the natural recesses provided in the outer carton so that they will not interfere'with the shipment and storage of these cartons when placedin apacking case or when arranged onthe merchant's shelf;

A further modified form of pilfer-proof carton for radio tubes and the like is illustrated in Figs. 12 to 20 inclusive, this carton being made from outer tubular member A formed from the blank shown in Fig. 14 and an inner sliding member comprising sections B and B formed from the blanks shown in Figs. 12 and 13 respectively. The outer tube-forming blank, as shown in Fig. 14, comprises side wall sections 6|, 62, 63 and 64 hinged together along score lines 66. A securing fiap 65 hinged to the side wall section 64 along some lines 66 has adhesive g applied thereto which secures the flap to the free' edge of the side wall section 6| and maintains the outer member in tubular form. Abutment flaps 61 ex-, tend from the respective side wall sections at one end of the carton, which abutment flaps may be folded downwardly against the inside face of the respective side wall sections 6|, 62, 63 and 6 4 and,

said side wall sections by adhesive 9, as illustrated in Fig. 16. Abutment flaps 10, which are somewhat longer than the abutment flaps 69, are hinged to the side wall sections 62 and 64 along the score lines 68 and are also secured to their associated side wall sections by adhesive 9. The purpose served by the abutment flaps 61, 69 and 18 will be hereinafter brought out.

The inner tube-containing section B formed from the blank illustrated in Fig. 12 comprises an end 'wall portion 8| having an aperture 26 through which the test end p of the tube T extends. An end wall portion 82 extends over the top end of the'tube T, the tube being suitably centered by an aperture 2| in the end wall portion 82. A side wall portion 83 hinged to the end wall portions 8| and 82 along the score lines 84 extends along one side of the tube. A side wall portion 85 hingedto the end wall portion 82 along the score lines 84 extends along the opposite side of the tube and is secured at its free end to the end wall portion 8| by means of asecuring flap 80 hinged to the end wall portion 8|, this attachment being made in anysuitable manner, as by applying adhesive 9 to the flap 80.

I A companion inner tube-supporting section B is formed from the blank shown in Fig. 13; which blank is very similar to the blank shown in Fig. 12, heretofore described.

In loading the tube in the carton, the tube T may be inserted within an inner protective shell C, of any suitable form, and the test end pof the tube is inserted through the opening 20 in the end wall portion 92 of section 13 The side wall portion 93 is then raised upwardly so as to extend along one side of the tube T and its associated protective shell 0', as illustrated in Fig. 15. The end wall portion 9| is then brought over the top end of the tube and the tube is suitably centered;

therein by means of the opening 2|. Side wall a portion 85 hinged to end wall portion 82 along the score lines 86 may then be raised so as to overlie an opposite side wall face of the tube, the side wall portion 85being secured as by adhesive to the securing flap 88 hinged to the end wall portion 8| along the score lines 86. Section 13 thus forms a continuous band enclosure for the tube and its associated protective shell C.

The inner tube-supporting section B may then be applied by inserting the test end 1) of the tube through the opening 28 in the end wall portion 8|, the end wall portion 8| overlying the end wall portion 82 of section B". Side wall portion 83 is then raised to overlie anuncovered side of the tube T or protective shell C and the end wall portion 82 brought into position to overlie the end wall portion 8| of section B Side wall portion 85 is secured to the end wall portion 8! by means of adhesive 9 applied to the securing flap 80. As thus assembled, the tube T and associated protective shell 0 are entirely contained or enclosed within the bandlike tube-supporting sections 28 and B in bandlike form.

When the inner tube-supporting sections B and B have been fully assembled around the' tube, as illustrated in Fig. 17, the outer tubeforming blank, assembled in the form shown in Figs. 16 and 1'7, is then wrapped around the ininner assembled tube-supporting sections. In this connection it will be observed that abut- -ment flaps 86 have been cut out of the side wall portions 88 and 85 along the cut lines 81, the abutment flaps 86 being turned upwardly along score lines 88. Similar abutment flaps 88 have been cut out from the side wall portions 88 and 85 along cut lines 81, and the abutment flaps 88 are also turned upwardly by bending same along score lines 88, as illustrated in Fig. 17. It will be noted that, as thus assembled. the abutment flaps 86 and 88 have a normal. tendency to swing laterally but are naturally prevented by the enclosing side wall sections 6|, 62, 68 and 64 of the outer tubular member. When the tube is conveniently housed within the outer tubular member, it will be carefully noted, by referring more particularly'to Figs. 18, I8 and 20, that the free edge of the abutment flaps 86 and 88 will normally abut the abutment edges II of the flap portions 61 cemented to the inside face of the side wall sections of the outer tubular member. The abutment flaps 86 and 88 exert a resilient pressure against the inside face of side wall sections 6|, 62, 68 and 64 and when the tube is fully housed within the carton as illustrated in Figs. 18, 19 and 20, the abutment edges ll of the flaps 61 will substantially abut the free edges of the abutment flaps 86 and 88 and thus prevent removal of the tube from the upper end of the carton.

Adjacent the lower end of the carton, abutment flaps 88 are cut out from the side wall portions 88 and 85 along cut lines 81 and are folded downwardly along the score lines 88. The free edges 01' the abutment flaps 88 normally seat against the abutment edges 12 of the flaps 68 associated with the st'de wall sections II and 68 of the outer tubular member, as illustrated in Fig. 18. Ejection of the test end of the tube from its housed position within the outer tubular member is thus normally prevented and the test end of the tube is thus releasably locked in housed position within the outer tubular member. Means for releasing the abutment flaps 88 and flaps 68 will now be described.

The abutment flaps 88 normally resiliently press against the adjacent side wall sections 6| and 68 respectively, and are thus normally in abutment with the abutment edges 12 of the fiaps68. By exerting inwardly directed pressure on the abutment flaps 88 by the thumb and forefinger h, or other suitable means, as illustrated in Fig. 19, the abutment flaps 88 may be pushed out of abutting engagement with the flaps 68 and the test end of the tube thus fully ejected. The application of this pressure to side wall sections 6| and 68 may be facilitated by either cutting an opening in the side wall sections 6| and 63 or, preferably, by makingv a cut 14 in the side wall sections 6| and 68 lying adjacent the abutment flaps 88 so as to provide a flap portion 15 which will readilyswing inwardly when inwardly directed external pressure is applied thereto. Thus, by merely applying pressure directed against the abutment flaps 88, the tube may be unlocked from its housed position within the outer tubular member and readily ejected for test purposes. When the test has been completed the tube may be slid back into the carton and due to the resilient nature oi the abutment flaps 88 they will readily snap into abutting engagement with the abutment edges 12 of the flaps 68.

To limit the ejected position of the test end of the tube, abutment flaps 88 are cut out from the side wall portions 88 and 85 of the inner section B along cut lines 81 permitting the abutment flaps 86 to be turned downwardly along the score lines 88. As thus arranged, the free edges of the abutment flaps 86 are arranged to be moved into abutting relationship with the abutment edges 18 of the flaps 18 associated with the outer tubular member. When the tube is completely housed'within the outer tubular memher, as shown in Fig. 20, the free edges of the abutment flaps 86 and the abutment edges 18 of the flaps 18 are spaced a predetermined distance apart, which distance is designated a in Fig. 20. When the test end 1: of the tube, however, has been brought to the proper ejected position for test purposes, the free edges of the abutment flaps 86 will then abut theabutment edges" of the flaps l8 and thus positively prevent further ejecting movement of the tube.

It will be noted that-the abutment flaps 86 and 88 cooperating with the flaps 61 on the outer tubular member and the abutment flaps 86 cooperating with the flaps on the outer tubular member, are so arranged and constructed that their abutting relationship cannot be released or disengaged to permit removal of, the tube from the carton without requiring visible mutilation and destruction of the walls of the carton. The tube, however, is free to slide within the outer tubular member a distance suflicient to permit convenient testing of the tube, the length of the sliding movement permitted being governed by the distance a, as shown in Fig. 20. As shown in Figs. 18, 19 and 20, the carton is so constructed that neither end of the tube can touch the supporting surface upon which the carton rests, whether the carton is in upright or'in inverted position. The test end of the tube cannot be ejected from its housed position until the abutment flaps 88 have been released from their locking abutment with the abutment edges 12 of the flaps 68, in the manner heretofore described. The carton here shown can be economically manufactured from substantially rectangular blanks oi paperboard material and;when assembled presents an unusually neat and attractive carton. I

To further protect thev customer against possible pilfering-or tampering with {the tube contained in the carton, eyelets 26 may be provided to further secure the securing flap to the side wall section 6|. Referring more particularly to Figs. 1'1 and 18a, the securing flap 6 5 may be inserted between the abutment flaps 61 and 69 and the side wall section 6I before the abutment flaps 61 and 69 are secured as by adhesive 9 to side wall section 6I. Pilfer-proof eyelets 26 can then be inserted to extend through the abutment flaps 61, securing flap 65 and the side wall section H, and by another pilfer-proof eyelet which extends through the abutment flaps 69, the securing flap 65 and the side wall section 6|. As thus arranged, it would be impossible to unwrap the outer member A without tearing or lacerating the outer member.

A further modified form of pilier-proof carton adapted for use in the packaging of radio tubes and like fragile articles, is illustrated in Figs. 21 to 28 inclusive of the drawings, this carton being made from an outer member A formed from the blank shown in Fig. 21, which houses and contains an inner tube-supporting member 3* formed from the blank shown in Fig.- 22.

The inner tube-supporting member B is formed from a single strip of paperboard material comprising an end wall portion I 'having an opening I56 therein through which the test end of...th e tube extendsyin the manner illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26. A secondary end wall portion I45 overlies the end wall portion HI and is spaced therefrom by a spacer portion I46 hinged to the end wall portion I45 along the score line I41 and to ,the end wallportion I4I along the score line I46. A side wall portion I43 is arranged to extend along one Qde of the tube T and is hinged to the end wall portion I along the score line I 44. A flap portion I5I hinged to the secondary end wall portion I45 along the score line I60 is positioned to lie against the inside face of the side wall portion I43 and is suitably secured thereto as by means of a hook portion I52 which is inserted through a horizontal cut I69 in the side wall portion I43, in the manner illustrated in Figs. 23 to 25 inclusive. The secondary end wall portion I45 is provided with an opening I55 through which the lower body of the tube projects, as illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, thus serving to steady the tube in the carton.

The tube-supporting member B is also provided with an end wall-portion I42 hinged to the side wall portion I43 along the score line I44 and is arranged to overlie the top end of the tube, an aperture I51 being provided therein to properly center the tube. A secondary end wall portion I50 underlies the end wallportion I42 and is spaced therefrom by means of a spacing portion I49 hinged to the end wall portion I42 along the score line I48 and hinged to the secondary end wall portion I50 along the score line I41, all in the manner illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25. A flap extension I53 hinged to the secondary end wall portion I50 along the score line/I68 is positioned to lie against the inside face of the side wall porti n I43 and may be secured thereto by providing a hook portion I54 on the flap extension I53 which is inserted through a cut I10 in the side wall portion I 43,

as illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25. 'As.-.-thus*assembled, the inner tube-supportin'g-meniber will appear as illustrated in" Fig. 24;- The'ijnner member may also be provided with outwardly turned leg portions I59 hinged to the end wall portion I4I along the score lines I61 and outwardly turned leg portions'I60 hinged to the end 'wall portion I42 along the scoreline I61. The leg portions I59 and I60 serve a useful purpose, as will presently appear.

The outer member A formed from" the blank shown in Fig. 2l,is providedwith sidewall sections IOI, I02, I03 and I04 hinged together along the score lines I06, which sidewall sections surround the enclosed tube. An end wall section I01 hinged to the side wall section I03 along the score line I09, is provided with an opening II 9 through which the test end p of the tube may be projected. An end wall section I66 hinged to the side wall section I03 along the score line I09 closes 'the'upper end ofthe carton except for an aperture I20 therein through which a suitable instrument may be inserted to effect ejection of the test end 1) of the tube. The end wall sections I01 and I08 may be joined along opposite side edges thereof by means of inwardly turned flaps H0 and -I II hinged to the end wall sections I 01 along the score lines I 06, and inwardly turned flaps H2 and I I3 hinged to the end wall section I08 along the score lines I06.

When the tube T has been positioned within the assembled inner member,-as shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the end wall section I01 is swung under, the ..test end 1: of the tube. and the end wall section I08 is swung into position to overlie the upper end of the tube. 'Flaps H0 and H2 are then swung into position to overlie one side of the tube, these flaps being suitably connected together as by hook portions H1 and H8 respectively associated therewith. The Opposite flaps I II and H3, as shown in Fig. 26, are swung into position to overlie the opposite side of the tube and are also suitably connected together as by hook portions H5 and H6 respectively associated therewith.

When the end wall sections I01 and I08 have been positioned over the ends of the tube and the sections connected together by connecting the flap IIO to H2 and flap III to II3, in the manner above described, the side wall sec- 3 tion I02 is swung into position so as to overlie tion I04 along the score line I06, and flap I 05- is then swung into position so as to overlie the spacing portions I46 and I49 of the inner tubesupporting member. A flap I33 hinged to the end wall section I01 along the score line I35 is then swung upwardly so as to overlie the securing flap I05. Likewise a flap I34 hinged to the end wall section I08 along the score line I35 is swung downwardly to overlie securing fiap I05. .When this has been accomplished the side wall section II is positioned to overlie the securing flaps I05, as illustrated in Fig. 28.

Side wall section It is fixedly secured to the securing flap I05 so that these parts cannot be released without first requiring destruction of the carton. Such securing means may comprise a pairof spaced tab portions I2I'. and I23 cut from the side wall section IOI along cut lines I22. Correspondingtab portions I24 and I26 m'ay be cut from the securing flap I05 along the cut lines I25. When the sidewall section IOI has been suitably positioned toroyerlie the securing flapj Ii05, it will be noted that the tab portion I523. overlie and abut thestab portion I26 s n that. an eyelet, rivet or othersecuring means I90 may be used to permanently secure these tab; portions together. Likewise tabportion I2I will. then abut against tab portion I24 so that these. tab portions may be secured together by a 26. Similarly, the leg; portions I60 hinged to theend wall portion I42? will abut the end wall section I of the outer member, as illustrated in Fig. 26. The leg portions I60 thus cushion the upper end of the-tube and prevent this end of the tube from coming into contact with the end wall section I08 or otherwise becoming damaged.

through externali shock delivered against the end wall section! IP08.

It will be appreciated that leg portions I59 nor-e mally would prevent ejection of the test end of;

I the tube through the test aperture H9 in the;

end wall section I01. To; permit ejection ofthe test end of the tube, means are provided whereby inward-pressure may be externally applied against: the leg portions I59 so as to fiorce them to collapse and lie substantially flat against the inside face of the end wall section I01. Such inwardly directed external pressure maybe conveniently applied by the fingers in the construction here. shown, wherein a cut I3I, which may be of generally arcuate form, is made in each of the side wall sections I02 and I04 at. a point adjacent the leg portions I59. The cuts I3I define a resilient flap I30 which can be easily pressed inwardly with the fingers. In order that the external force applied to the flaps I30 may be read ily transmitted to the-leg portions I45 and effect inward swinging movement thereof, an arcuate cut-out opening I28 defined by cut edge I29 adjacent the cut I3I may be provided in the flaps H0 and III of the outer tubular member. The cut-out openings I28 are positioned in alignment with the flaps I30, thus making it relatively easy to transmit the externally applied inwardly com-.

pressive force against the leg portions I59 to swing the leg portions I59 into substantially horizontal or fiat position and consequently permit convenient ejection of the test end p of the tube through the test opening II9. When the tube is returned to its housed position within the outer member, the leg portions I59, possessing an inherent resiliency, will automatically swing outwardly to a raised or upright position and thus be brought into rigid abutment against the end wall section I01 which prevents a further ejection of thetest end of the tube without again moving the leg portions I59 into horizontal position. The leg portions I59 also serve to cushion the lower end of the tube and protect the tube from damage resulting from external shock. A' limited telescoping movement of the tube withinthe outer containing member can thus be efiected, but the tube itself cannot be removed from the carton without visibly destroying the carton itself.

It will be noted that the carton shown iniEigz.

. 28 is provided, with cooperating tab projections I 2I and I524 secured together by a pilfer-pnoot.

eyelet. I80 and tab portions l23fzand I26secured together a 'pilfer-proof eyelet I80. The re:- cesses: formed by the punching out of the: tab portions I12Ii and I23 provide;- natural. recesses. in which. the.- connected tab portions may. reside so that" these tab portions roan be foldedi over intoithe recesses and thus 'adisposed out of. the

way-during shipment and storage of the. canton- It; is now seen that I haveaprovided". several cartons; adapted to contain radio tubes: andi'li ke fragile articles which are so: constructed as to permit limited telescoping,:movementtoffthe tubewithin. the carton so thatrtesting off the tube can; be: readily executed. The cartoni'i's so constructed, however, that removal of {the} tube; from theoarton cannot be accomplished'without.visibly des oying, lacerating, or demolishing; the carton within which the tube is containedi. Means are provided in the cartons herein disclosed tor normally locking the tube and! the: test end thereof in housedpositionv within. the. carton,

means can be readily released upon a predetermined manipulation of,the,l'ockl-'ng: parts to permit limited ejection of the test end of. the tube.

The cartons herein disclosed are; furthermore so constructed as I30.) prevent the tube: from coming into contact Wlthl any surface.- upon which the carton is supported, means being, further provided to cushion, the tube within the cartonso that the tube cannot be damaged through the delivery of external shock to the carton itself.

The cartonsliierein disclosed may be conveniently made of; paperboard material substantially without waste; through the use of automatic cutting scoring and gluing machines, in common use. These cartonsare so constructed as" to permit quick loading, thereof with a tube, means being provided to. effect quick, and positive sealing of the cartoni which cannot be removed without: requiring severe laceration or destruction of thecarton itself.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are'pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: v

.1. A container for radio tubes and the. like including, an outer tubular member, an inner tube-supporting member slidably positioned within said outer member, and means for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member within said outer member, said means including, a strap portion extending longitudinally of said inner sliding member, a strap portion extending transversely of said outer tubular member slidably interlocked to said first-named strap portion, and means for fixedly securing said first strap portion tosaid inner sliding member and said second strap portion to said outer tubular member whereby said strap portions cannot be removed, detached or ruptured without leaving visible evidence of tampering.

2. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer tubular member, an inner tube- 'ranged in interlocked relationship whereby said tube cannot be removed from the container without leaving visible evidence of tampering.

3. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer tubular member, -an inner ,tube-supporting and enclosing member slidably positioned within said outer member, a strap portion fixedly secured to said inner member over lying a strap portion fixedly secured to said outer including, an outer tubular member having enclosing side walls, an inner tube-supporting and enclosing member slidably positioned within said outer member, and means for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member, said inner member having a strap portion fixedly secured thereto and extending through spaced openings cut in a side wall of said outer tubular member so that said strap portion overlies the intervening portion of said outer side wall.

5. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer tubular member, an inner tubesupporting and enclosing memberslidably positioned within said outer member, and means for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member, said means including an element fixedly secured to said inner member extending tion fixedly secured to said outer member looped under a side wall portion of said inner member.-

9. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member having enclosing side walls, an inner tube-supporting and containing member. slidably positioned within said outer member, said inner member including spaced end wall portions and a side wall portion connecting said end wall portions, and means for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member, said means including, a strap portion integrally formed in said inner member and defined by a pair of spaced, substantially parallel cuts made in a side wall portion thereof, said strap portion extending through spaced cuts in the adjacent side wall of said outer member, the relationship of said cuts being such as to permit limthrough spaced openings in said outer memben' andoverlying the exterior face of an element defined between said spaced openings fixedly secured to said outer member, which elements cannot be removed, detached or ruptured without leaving visible evidence of tampering,

6. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer tubularmember, an inner tubesupporting and enclosing member slidably positegrally formed with saidouter member, which elements cannot be removed, detached or rupturedto efiect removal of the tube from the container without leaving visible evidence of tampering. 1

7. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an er tubular member having en- -.closing side walls, an inner tube-supporting member slidably positioned within said outer member, and means for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member,'said means including, a strap portion associated with said in-- ner member extending through spaced apertures provided in a side wall of said outer member, said strap portion overlying the intervening part of said side wall defined by said apertures, said apertures being of such form as to permit limited movement of said strap portion and its associated inner member.

8. A 'container 'for radio tubes andthe like including, an outer tubular member, an inner tubesupporting member slidably positioned within said outer member, said inner member including, spaced and wall portions and side wall portions connected to said end wall portions, and means for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member, said means including, a strap por- 10. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer tubular member having enclosingside walls, an inner tube-supporting and enclosing member slidably positioned within said outermember,saidinnermemberincluding spaced end wall portions and side wall portions connecting said end wall portions, and means for limitthe telescoping movement of said inner member within said outer member, said means including, a strap portion associated with said inner member defined by a pair of spaced substantially parallel cuts made in a side wall 0! said inner member, said strap portion extending through cuts made in a side wall of the outer member, the cuts in the side wall 01 the outer member extending substantially transversely of the cuts in the side wall portion of the inner member, the relation-- ship of said cuts being such as to permit limited sliding movement only of said inner member within said outer member.

11. A container for radio tubes andthe like including, an outer member having enclosing side including, spaced, substantially parallel extending apertures formed in a side wall of said outer member and extending substantially transversely thereof to define an intermediate strap portion, said inner member having a side wall portion thereof extending through the apertures in said outer member and overlying the intermediate limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member within. said outer member, said means including, a longitudinally extending strap portion fixedlysecured to said'inner member defined by spaced, longitudinally extending cuts in a side wall portion of said inner member, and a strap portion formed in a side wall of said outer member defined by spaced, transversely extending cuts in said side wall, said strap portion associated with said outer member being arranged to underly the strap portion associated with said inner member, said strap portions being 01' such width and length as to permit limited sliding movement only of said inner member within said limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member within said outer member, said means.

including, a longitudinally extending strap portion associated with said inner member, spaced transversely extending apertures cut in the side wall of said outer member defining an intermediate portion over which said strap portion amociated with the-inner member overlies, one of said apertures in said outer member having a predetermined width extending longitudinally of the side wall providing limited movement of said strap portion and its associated inner member.

14. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member including enclosing side walls fixedly secured together, an endwall at each end of said outer member integrally former with a side wall thereof, interlocking means connecting said end walls, and an inner tube-supporting member sidably positioned within said outer member, said inner member includpartition portions extending over the ends of said tube, and means for connecting said end portions, one of said end walls of the outer meniber having an opening therein through which the test end of the tube may be ejected.

15. A container for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member including enclosing side walls fixedly secured together, an end wall at each end of said outer member integrally formed with a side wall thereof, interlocking means connecting said end walls, and an inner tube-supporting memberslidably positioned within said outer member, said inner member including partition portions extending over the ends of said tube, and means for connecting said end portions, one of said end walls of the outer member having an opening therein through which the test end of the tube may be elected, and releasable interlocking means associated with said inner and outer members whereby the test end of the tube is normally held in housed position within said outer member, and means in said outer member giving manipulative access to said interlocking means whereby said interlocking means may be released to effect ejection of the test end of the tube as desired.

16. A carton formed from a single blank 01' paper-board material including, enclosing side wall sections, an end wall section extending from each end of a side wall section, flaps extending from opposite side edges of each or said end wall sections, said flaps being enclosed within said side wall sections, means for connecting corresponding opposite flaps of the spaced wall sections together, and means for conn *cting said side wall sections in tubular form.

17. A pilfer-proof container for a radio tube comprising, an outer containing member, an inner tube-supporting member telescoping within and movable in relation to said outer containing member a distance suflicient to eject the test end of the tube for test, said inner member having a tube-supporting platform for supporting the test end of the tube, cooperating means associated with said inner and outer members for limiting the telescoping movement of said tube-supporting platform, means including a pair of tabs projecting beyond the outer surface of said outer member, and means for permanently sealing said tabs together whereby to prevent opening of said outer member or the removal of said inner 'member or the tube supported thereby without .leaving visible evidence of tampering.

18. A pilfer-proof container for a radio tube comprising, an outer member having enclosing side walls, and an inner tube-supporting member movable within said outer member a distance suflicient to eject the test end of the tube for test, said inner member having a tube-supporting platform for supporting the test end 01" the tube, said platform having an opening through which the test portion of the tube projects,--cooperating means associated with said inner and outer members for limiting the telescoping movement of said tube-supporting platform, means including a pair of tabs projecting beyond the outer surface of said outer member, and means for permanently sealing said tabs together whereby to prevent opening of said outer member or removal of said inner member or the tube supported thereby without leaving visible evidence of tampering.

19. A carton-formed from a singleblank of paperboard material including, enclosing side wall sections connected together to provide a generally tubular construction, anend wall section at each end of the'carton each hinged to one of said side wall sections, flaps hinged to opposite side edges of' each ofsaid end wall sections normally enclosed within said side wall sections when the carton is assembled, hook elements associated with each of said flaps for connecting corresponding flaps of the spaced end wall sections together, and an inwardly extending flap hinged to another side edge of each of said end wall sections.

20. A protective member for fragile articles formed from a single blank of paperboard material including, a pair of spaced primary end sections hingedly connected to a side wall section, each of said primary end sections having a secondary end section hingedly connected thereto by a spacing element, each of said secondary end sections having a hook portion adapted to be operativeiy connected to said side wall section.

21. A protective member for fragile articles formed from a single blank of paperboard material including, a pair of spaced primary end sections hingedly connected together through the medium of a side wall section, each of said primary end sections havinga secondary end section hingedly connected thereto by a spacing element, each of said secondary end sections having hook means .for connecting said secondary end. sections to said side wall section, each of said primary and secondary end sections having an aperture therein through which the fragile article may project so as to retain the article iniixed position within the protective member.

. a CHARLES P. WELLMAN. 

